On The Bench | 2024 Midweek Update | Boomer Diorama ~ # 216

This a a current midweek update on the model railroad layout - 'River Road.'
With so much random production going on, it helps to update current progress between some of the weekend feature episodes in a semi-chronological format.
Thank you to all my current subscribers and super thanks donations! ~ Boomer.
KZbin Audio Library Music
DISCLAIMER: I pay for all the products and materials I use in this video content, unless otherwise stated. I do not receive any affiliate sponsorship, fees, funds, support, or gifts from company products, and/or any other companies, (unless otherwise stated). I only endorse products for the benefit of the community and my own personal use, apart from indicated sponsors.

[@StationaryDingleberry]

Incredible prototype and model! I tried to find in the playlist, but in the prototype, does it dock/get secured and then do those vertical adjusting parts lock at a certain height to begin transfer?

[@boomerdiorama]

Respectfully, please allow me to explain. ;-) The whole coupling procedure is on the level ( one fixed tide level) for smooth operation. This part of the layout is the most difficult to achieve. If you are out 2mm, in any aspect, the whole operation is fail due to "physics" limitations. It needs to be built as a flat switch for smooth operation and reliability. No one person (operator) . . . and I mean no one (including me), will tolerate derailments because I insisted on some type of obsessives prototype detail that ends up being a proverbial "thorn-in-the side" operation that does not work reliably. I never intended this "diorama" style layout to be a hyper realistic static display. Therein lies the challenge and the problem solving. If one adheres dogmatically and legalistically to modeling prototype practice you will almost never have a smooth running layout. A layout that does not run smoothly is a killjoy. Imagine where the landing is. And then, model the water surface. And then, the dock, and then the ramp head and finally the "water-line" Ferry (or Barge) for accurate coupling. Furthermore, all the components need to be removable as well for convenience and preservation. It's harder than it looks to engineer correctly - believe me. Finally, it all needs to be functional and reliable otherwise it will never get used. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@StationaryDingleberry]

Boomer thank you and I totally appreciate and respect your perspective on the level of detail to model... it's helpful to me, a relative novice, to see how deep you do go, but my question was purely in how the real one works. I never saw anything like this and to me it's an incredible engineering feat and beautiful thing. The closest I've come in real life is the occasional ferry ride you drive onto with your car. I'm just thinking how the whole thing stays still (enough) after docking, as there seems to be a lot at stake if something moves too much (however much that may be).@@boomerdiorama

[@boomerdiorama]

This particular marine terminal also provides service to commercial vehicles as well. You can drive right onto the ferry which is another cool modeling option. 😁@@StationaryDingleberry

[@derz-crackmodellbahnvideosinsp]

"HAPPY NEW YEAR" BOOM🎉 ...CHEERS, Olli

[@boomerdiorama]

Same to you!

[@robertlussenburg1770]

And we´re back! Happy New Year! 😊..Cheers

[@boomerdiorama]

Happy new year!

[@bobharris5872]

A talking hands video? It was fun, really. Your attention to detail is paying off and it is what make an ordinary model a excellent one. My layout has a similar story. A short line serving small communities and a couple of large industries Via a seaport. But without the car interchange. We just transfer the freight and passenger to the ships which I don't have room for ether. Non-the -less I have on the self three kits for vessels that will visit long enough to be photographed. Thanks again for your sharing Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

That's the idea. ;-)

[@craiglowrey9550]

Every time you show "your neck 'o the woods" I get that "missing BC" feeling. I've had some wonderful times, experiences and friendships down in the lower mainland and Vancouver Island. Your modeling and artistic ability brings out the emotion...

[@boomerdiorama]

That is cool. It pricks my emotions all the time which ultimately feeds my passion. Cheers.

[@harperlarry49]

"Building a Railroad and Running Trains are two very different things." I love that!! So very true. Thanks. Stay safe. Cheers- Larry.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks, you too!

[@FarlandHowe]

You don’t need to justify squat. Just do what you do, we are all learning and admiring. cheers, Rob

[@boomerdiorama]

It's a head's up across the general interests that the channel is comprised of. Cheers. ;-)

[@extra-dry]

It never ceases to amaze me, when you have close up of the pier/ barge portion of your layout, how "real" it looks. Until your hand comes into view, I almost forget it is a small scale model.

[@boomerdiorama]

I really like it as a model. It was cool to build so I could actually learn to understand how it operates.

[@CharlieH65]

This is wonderful to watch. It's, by far, my favorite reality show! 😊

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers.

[@ErzgebirgsMoBaHO]

Happy new year Boomer

[@boomerdiorama]

Same to you!

[@bobhastings6464]

Love these mid week videos but I can appreciate all the extra work that goes into them . I especially like the build videos , they are some of my favourites. Well done All the best Boomer Cheers Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

I appreciate that!

[@Johnny_Guitar]

Awesome brother! I'm here in Guildford and I've been to Annacis Island where that barge slip is, and you've authenticated it very accurately and I like the way you've melded in some of the Fort Langley rail lines into your layout, very nice work!

[@boomerdiorama]

It's hard not to include some of the local industries I frequently see out here for sure. Cheers.

[@clive594]

looking good as ever .

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you.

[@DRCRailroard]

Hey Boomer, I always enjoy your unique ability to convey details from your perception and experiences. It may be the single most attribute that sets really great artists apart to create convincing layouts. I'm not sure it's something that can be learned and is just a God given attribute conducive to modeling. I think it would help people to realize you can always have room for anything that you have the ability and talent to make believable. You'd think by now people would realize it's your story to tell and you're in control of it's destiny. I'm loving the story so far and I can't wait to see the ending. Happy rails

[@boomerdiorama]

Hopefully the end is not anytime soon. As they say - "Artists never retire." . . . ;-)

[@vsstub]

Love this style of "mid-week update". Fantastic idea! And thoroughly enjoy watching build the small details that make the whole scene pop! Happy New Year!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks so much!

[@555metroman]

Excellent as always. For Christmas my son got me a nice mix of Evergreen Plastic materials and a couple of tools.. the mechanic's square..looking forward to using it. thanks again. - Ref

[@boomerdiorama]

That is awesome! Have fun. Working with plastic is a new learning curve and it will spoil you in terms of how versatile and easy it is to work with.

[@Vman7757]

Thank you for sharing. That was awesome. These are my favs. Love the rest too. But these are my favs because I learn so much.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you like them!

[@dan8402]

Your scratch building abilities continually amaze me. Speaking of ferry's. If there are multiple in the fleet, and say one serves specific industries and does a specific route, you could make multiple "cassettes" and that would add even more operating options to the layout. I know that is a lot of work, but if they can me "mass produced" in a way, it would be really cool. Just an idea. I love the plastic wood you created. It looks better than the real thing in so many ways.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds cool and good possibility. ;-)

[@PeterTillman3]

Wow a midweek bonus! Thx Boomer.

[@boomerdiorama]

I drop the odd one now-and-again. ;-)

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@James-zf4lj]

Boomer, I really enjoy your videos, and the short line model railroad.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much!

[@FredWilbury]

So realistic it’s only when your finger appears does one realise it’s a model , stunning work Boomer

[@boomerdiorama]

Like the "Friendly Giant" show from the seventies . . . ;-)

[@generalsb6332]

Enjoyable presentation as always. For me personally, the ferry is something I am anticipating. Can’t wait to see the innovation you apply to create the off layout interchange.

[@boomerdiorama]

It might be cumbersome, but should look cool from specific angles if you know what I mean ;-)

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

Love that pedal steel guitar. I never thought there would be so much to a barge ramp. But you've nailed it. Thanks for the explanations, now I know what you've done and why. Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Bill! Happy Railroading to you! Cheers.

[@dryheat6907]

Boomer, Happy New Year to you, Mike again here from Arizona. The mid-week update is a great idea and gives us two updates to look forward to each week. I can imagine it is a formidable amount of work to set up, film, edit and upload on top of doing the actual modeling work, but know that your subscribers greatly appreciate it. I've said it before but every update you make is some piece of a Masters Class on railroad modeling, and you really inspire us to try and approximate your level of detail and realism. And I, for one, enjoy both the "wider" view of your modeled scenes with your explanation of your approach, as well as the detailed "bench" discussions. And as time (and temperament) allow, actually showing us your techniques as you cut, glue, paint, ballast, etc.,with accompanying narrative is the best of all. There are a number of excellent model railroad Chanels on KZbin but yours rises above all of them in presenting not just the "why" but also the "how" of successfully modeling a structure, scene or piece of rolling stock. Best wishes to you and yours for a great 2024 and we all look forward to following along as yet more scenes on River Road take shape. Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@ianmcpherson2301]

Happy New Year Boomer. I often quote this "There model railroader's and then there are railroad modelers" I believe that your shelf layout is in the latter catagory. Cheers and keep up the great work.

[@boomerdiorama]

Well said Ian! Happy New Year to you and family. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@benoitevellin8796]

Happy new year Boomer! Thank you for your continuous help, by both sharing your knowledge of modelling with everyone and your resources regarding the prototype with me. I'm very humbled and privileged. ☺ Thank you for the new photo of the pontoon. 😉 I will add the control boxes for the winches. I've been told that the box under the roofed kiosk controls the pontoon's height. Will you take the opportunity of working on this area to add the full SRY sign I sent you once on the pontoon's side? Good luck with the lamp posts: being in N scale, I gave up. I'll try to add very directed lights, from my layout's roof. Have you ever tried this?

[@boomerdiorama]

I never received any decals?

[@benoitevellin8796]

@@boomerdiorama I sent you the SVG file, but I can print the decals for you if you want. :) If interested, let me know about the size; I'll then ask the Second Section podcast to put us in contact for the delivery.

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. if you want to I would appreciate that and give you the credit. The font is 5mm high. I think the style is whatever you see on their site on the logo.@@benoitevellin8796

[@benoitevellin8796]

@@boomerdiorama I'm happy to help you, it is a small thing compared to everything you helped me with! I took one of SRY's signs and re-created the logo and the font. I have a couple of prints to make later this month, I'll add yours to the batch. To be continued by email. :)

[@TB-ModelRR]

I'm having a hard time getting away from these videos even though I've heard you and others say, "Just go do it," but you and others put out great content. I've been enjoying the information overload I've subjected myself to. Just waiting for some Fast Tracks materials to arrive to build some N scale turnouts for my first go at it following your very instructive video on the topic. Thank you, and Happy New Year all!

[@boomerdiorama]

I understand! ;-)

[@usssaratogacv3lefevre978]

Nice update. Like to watch videos of your scratch builds.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks 👍

[@johnschutt9187]

Wonderful as always.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. 😁

[@joesipos2975]

WOW such detail, and in HO scale no less. I have seen O scale layouts with less detail. You are too good Boomer, you and Luke Towan are absolute Godsends! Happy New Year! CHEERS!

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow, thanks! Happy New Year to you as well! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@doctorpc4x4]

Very nice Photos sure do help with the understanding of it all

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes it does!

[@ResidentEngineer1]

Happy New Year. I really like the idea of a mid-week bench style video. I watch every one of your videos. 👍🏻

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you! I hope to do maybe two a month with the Sunday features. The Sunday show is fixed and the midweek depends on how much time I have between building the actual layout, production schedule, etc., etc. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@alweinhofer5453]

I always wanted to procrastinate but I keep putting it off .😀

[@boomerdiorama]

I do it all the time but try to keep a list to remind myself what I should get done before I allow "other" projects to creep in.

[@danrao3707]

At 15:19 I had to pause it for a brief moment. I thought you were giving us a sneak peek of the completed build. Then I realized Boomer would never allow such clean boxcars on his layout. What an awful weathering job the actual railroad did on those boxcars. They really need to step up their game. Lol!

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . I would like to find some of those "Catalyst" cars. I'm sure they would look cool when the time comes. ;-)

[@sernajrlouis]

Awesome. Beautiful layout

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. It has sort of become self-inspiring and with the all the support the community so graciously encourages as well. Thank you. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@dryheat6907]

Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow! Thank you. It will go into the roster fund. 😁👍

[@Coreyhkh2]

awesome work

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@timmueller9586]

Very inspirational I'm going to start an n scale layout this month.

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome!👍😁

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, Happy New Year. Great update. You again prove the importance of having photos and details on what you want to model. So important to get the fine details right, and the rsult shows, you are a master. I will have to go back now and watch the earlier videos, I am sure there are lots of gems there to pick up tips. Cheers, and stay safe, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

I think photos are an absolute must when you wish to model an authentic model, especially when you have no original drawings of the subject. On the other hand, I think it is also acceptable to model a satisfactory "impression" of the model if extensive reference is not available. Each modeler must choose to express their own style which also demonstrates authenticity within their own interpretation of what they feel about the scene. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!😁

[@jamesbraxton6132]

Happy New Year to Wendy ,Dusty and you. Did Dusty get a nice cardboard box?

[@boomerdiorama]

Hi James! Happy New Year. Dusty got a new scratch board. ;-)

[@jonnybeck6723]

I guess you'll just hafta buy some more property... ...knock out a wall or two or four... After all, that ferry's comin' and that dock better be ready

[@boomerdiorama]

Movie magic covers what we don't see. ;-)

[@mintymoore6054]

WOW

[@boomerdiorama]

😁

[@ainsleyperry5192]

Boomer, The New Year has hardly started and your already back to full swing. While some of us struggle to get off the couch. In the real world how often does the ferry run once or twice a day. Will you model the open barge or enclosed ferry? Cheers, Chris Perry.

[@boomerdiorama]

Not sure on the Ferry schedule in 2024. On River Road I will have to make one up. It will be a closed type Ferry with open deck. I could also build barges for storing bridge traffic as well.

[@4everdc302]

Ooooh, it's hard to do the Tube📷&the hobby🚂at the same time. Then run a business🤪😋👨‍🔧

[@boomerdiorama]

You got that right!

[@thomasdecker7631]

Hmm. For some reason, I had the idea that the ferry would be full length and just hang over the edge. After all, it is removable.

[@boomerdiorama]

At scale the full length Ferry is too long unless I take the door off the room.

[@user-zu5hq8eu4x]

Hi it's mom😊

[@boomerdiorama]

Hey you . . . you finally hooked up to the internet. Did you get a Tablet?

[@ISAACBATENBURG]

I would like if you could explain sometimes how you can build so clean and straight in Evengreen plastic. I can’t cut my pieces that perfect so I end up with a croocked model

[@boomerdiorama]

I presume you know how to use a square. It helps to have a sharp pencil as well. It also helps to lightly scribe the line with a # 11 Blade (or any razor knife) using a firmly planted straight edge. Then, just snap the scribed piece and it should break off square if you did the former. ;-)

[@ISAACBATENBURG]

@@boomerdiorama Thanks for your advice Boomer, I will use it for my next model!

[@shaunhuckstepp7531]

Happy New Year Boomer, Hey how's this for an idea, At The Bench With Boomer, got a certain ring to it LOL

[@boomerdiorama]

Cool idea! Maybe the odd midweek. Sounds neat. Cheers.

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Boomer, I bet those particular voices will fall silent indeed whenever you’ll show the ferry operations. Whether fully finished or not. Love the idea of using the ferry as a means to reach your staging tracks. Just wondering, will you stick to just the ferry, or would you also consider building a barge for diversification of operations? Especially, as you said that the ferry track configuration is just connecting to the middle track of the slip, and barges often seem to have less space for on board turnouts. Just as a footnote, I’ve been thoroughly studying and researching several rail serving ferries, like the New York Cross Harbor NJNY, the former Amsterdam Train Ferry, which floated from the Sporenburg Yard in Amsterdam Oost to the Draka factory facility here in Amsterdam Noord. This point, also for the fact that you’re building the Seaspan Corsair. Where the ferry can approach the barge slip on its own engines, a barge of course needs to be towed or pushed. As a model railroader, viewer I’m a fan of your work and content. And yes indeed I too sometimes can’t wait to see the next progress on a subject of your choice. However, apart from this previous wording I am on the stance of patience. Am fully aware to produce all this content takes a lot of time and effort, not just the building part. I very much enjoy your endeavors to incentivize the crossing over of the ‘fear part’ of modeling, or any other creative activity. The learning curves not just follow the watch part, it solidifies in the attempts to create and make mistakes and learn as we (I) go. For that reason alone it is worth it to be patient. For I too am not a fast forward modeler, just to underscore the need for going back and forth between subjects, the chronological can only come when we truly finish a project. While at it the creative process demands its reflection time, either to fully appreciate the lessons learned or to simply come up with new ideas or even to improve the old ones! Cheerio

[@boomerdiorama]

The problem with modeling the prototype is always going to be functionality. Being obsessed with prototype accuracy when we model a railroad is often a curse. You render the model railroad into a "static" display and I want operational reliability over static display accuracy. Ask any proto 87 modeler and they are often plagued with derailments even though they hate to admit it. Derailments kill everything and then the model railroader never uses the feature (or offending spot on the railroad) because it is not fun to operate. If you cannot achieve a smooth operation what is the point? I will have to make some compromises with the prototype in order to achieve functionality with operational reliability. Cheers.

[@FHollis-gw4cc]

Perhaps a little off topic, but I'm wondering about matt medium. I know you're partial to Golden, but you just showed Liquitex. I'm quite curious about shelf life. Does one brand last longer - in the container - than another? When I purchase, should I stock up, or buy just enough to do a job? What else should I know that I don't know enough about to ask?

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes I am partial to Golden but when it comes to Matte Medium I use Liquitex "professional." As far as I go the shelf life of the former is very good.

[@dougreid5643]

Happy New Year, great videos, I’m learning so much! Question on matte medium, I too have used it for years. For applying to foam etc…do you do the diluted and let it sit for a few days so the white sentiment settles to the bottom? Or do you just apply direct from the bottle?

[@boomerdiorama]

I do both depending on the situation. The professional Liquitex matte medium is so good you can thin it down with water to 10% for some ground texture situations. That stuff never ceases to amaze me.

[@dougreid5643]

@@boomerdiorama perfect. I’ll do that.

[@mikerubynfs]

@@dougreid5643 I bought some small squeeze bottles and have full strength and 60% diluted ones ready to use. I found the bottles are far easier to dispense from, and now apply straight onto ballast from the diluted one.

[@ericklassen742]

Hi Boomer, I really enjoted this one (actually, like all the others). Is there any way a local Surrey guy, a fellow modeller, could have a rour of your work? This videos are like looking through a candy store wiindow but never going INTO the store. Thanks man!

[@boomerdiorama]

No.😁

[@shaunhuckstepp7531]

I Boomer got a question for you thought you might know . I'm trying to find some diamond plate or checker plate board to use to cover the top chassis towards the fifth wheel on a Peterbilt I've stretched truck and kit bashed. Kind of hit a brick wall with it,your help would be appreciated thanks,

[@boomerdiorama]

Have you checked (1/35th scale) Military Modeler Photo-etch accessories? Also, check out eBay "Photo- Etch Accessories." I always rifle through 1/35 scale stuff and Gundam, etc. because it all crosses over in one way or another. Furthermore, do a search - 1/25th Checker plate photo-Etch. I found some brass diamond plate in an old hobby shop on a dusty shelf for my 1/25th logging truck a few weeks ago.

[@shaunhuckstepp7531]

Thanks Boomer I will definitely give that a try , do you know the brand name of the brass diamond plate that you mentioned ? Thanks for your help.@@boomerdiorama

[@boomerdiorama]

Special Shapes - A Product of K&S Engineering (Sm. Diamond Plate) # 02782 - Made in U.S.A. 😁@@shaunhuckstepp7531

[@shaunhuckstepp7531]

Hi Boomer thankyou for that I will get on to it right away must of missed your message been air brushing in the garage thanks @@boomerdiorama